Hedgelaying - Beginners (Midlands Style) **SPECIAL OFFER - £109**

This course is suitable for anybody with little or no experience of hedgelaying.

Course Description

The traditional art of hedgelaying has been part of the Cotswolds landscape for centuries. Originally used for the purposes of stock control, the skill of laying a hedge was once common practice. However, due to the introduction of cheaper and less labour intensive methods of stock control, this traditional form of land management is now a much rarer skill.

There are many styles of hedge-laying throughout the UK. Here in the Cotswolds the most commonly used are the Midlands style and the Somerset style and it is these that we teach on our courses. For further information on the different hedgerow styles found in the Cotswolds visit www.hedgelaying.org.uk. The course at Sopworth is taught in the Midlands style.

On the course you will learn to:- clear/prepare the hedge

- cut and lay the pleachers

- correctly use and maintain hedge laying tools

- the benefits of hedgelaying for wildlife and landowners

What to Bring

For this course you will need strong footwear, plenty of warm clothes, waterproofs, gloves (optional), a packed lunch and a drink.

What we provide

All tools and equipment necessary for the course will be provided and the instructor will run through how each tool should be used during the course. Gloves and goggles are also provided. Parking and a toilet will be available on or near to the work site.

National Hedge Laying Society (NHLS) Award Scheme 2017/2018

This year to encourage younger people to take up the skills of Hedge Laying the National Hedge Laying Society are offering awards of £25 to anyone under the age of 30 taking part in hedge laying training courses and/or competitions.

To qualify individuals must be under the age of 30 at the time of the event (we will ask you to send evidence of your DOB, Name, Postal Address and Telephone number when the joining instructions are sent out). Once the course is complete we will then send off the claim for the award to the National Hedge Laying Society who will then approve and make payment direct to you.

This only applies to hedge laying training courses and competitions which take place between 1st September 2017 and 1st May 2018. Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the course/event to qualify. More information about the award can be found on the NHLS website www.hedgelaying.org.uk